A blog I wrote for for Black Rock Oceanfront Resort

Ucluelet is completely surrounded by water.  Situated on a peninsula on the west coast of Vancouver Island, it is a home base for sea bound adventure seekers.  Sea kayaking, salt water fishing, whale watching, and sailing are all activities that draw visitors to Ucluelet every summer.  The Pacific Ocean, as magnificent and beautiful as it is, is not the only body of water you can enjoy while visiting Ucluelet.

Kennedy Lake is the largest lake on Vancouver Island and has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation.  It’s located just northeast of Ucluelet with many access points just a 15 to 20 minute drive from town.  There are two day-use sites along the south shore including a recreational beach, picnic area and a boat launch.  Visitors come to swim, kayak or canoe, swim and fish.

My favourite thing to do on Kennedy Lake is kayak.  When you kayak in the remote sections of Kennedy Lake you can get up close to true wilderness.  It’s an experience that will connect you to the land, the Nuu-chah-nulth history and culture, and allow you to view some of the most beautiful scenery Vancouver Island has to offer.

We left early in the morning to get to the lake before the usual afternoon winds picked up.  The water was completely calm.  The high forest covered mountains loomed overhead, reflecting perfectly on the surface of the water.  The higher rockier mountains in the distance stood tall with their snow capped peaks.  Patches of new growth forest showed off their youth with vibrant greens, bringing the forest back to life after years of logging in this area.  The Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park lines the northwest section of the Clayoquot Arm, protecting an old growth forest of Sitka spruce, a conifer tree that is able to grow in salty, magnesium rich soils where most other seedlings die.

As we paddled along the shoreline we came alongside steep vertical cliffs of grey stone, topped with cedars and spruce growing in any and all directions.  It felt similar to kayaking in the Broken Group Islands in Barkley Sound.  We kayaked around out-crops and inside of inlets, peering up rock walls and looking deep into the forest.

We paddled passed rushing creeks and small waterfalls as they ran into Kennedy Lake.  We stopped on a rocky beach near one of these streams to take a break and have a picnic lunch.  Giant cedars and Sitka spruce created a wall behind the beach.  We sat in the sunshine, listened to the sound of the creek feeding into the lake and started to plan our way back to the boat launch.

After crossing the lake at a narrow section of the arm, we paddled along the opposite shoreline back.  We saw a giant bald eagle perched on a dead, leaning log.  As we approached it, it took flight and flew low, right above our heads!  Later we saw two sleepy river otters pop their heads up from behind a pile of drift logs on a small beach.  There is a lot of wildlife along Kennedy Lake including spawning sockeye salmon, deer and even the occasional seal that come up Kennedy River from Clayoquot Sound.  Predators like bears, wolves and cougars also live here.  For this reason visitors are advised to avoid bringing pets into the park and keep young children close, especially if you are spending time on the shore.

As we made our way back the wind started to blow.  Because of the steep mountains that surround Kennedy Lake it is very common for strong winds to pick up without warning and blow through the valley like a wind tunnel.  The water started to get choppy and our cruise-like paddling became a little more difficult, but by staying close to shore and pacing ourselves we were able to make it back to the boat launch safely.  In fact, by the time we had arrived the wind had died off completely and we were paddling towards the shore in flat, glassy water.

Kennedy Lake can offers days of water fun and exploration.  It is just another breathtaking destination and memorable activity to add to your visit to Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim.

Until next time,

Amy Hancock

Please Note:  The Clayoquot Arm Provincial Park is in the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation.  Please show respect by not disturbing the park’s natural heritage.  Please do not pick flowers or cut down trees in this park.  Campfires are not allowed in the Kennedy Lake Provincial Park but are permitted in Clayoquot Arm.  Please conserve the environment by minimal use of fires and remember the “Leave No Trace” code camping ethics regarding your garbage, fire and gear.  It’s also important to know that access to Indian Reserves (Clayoquot Arm) is prohibited unless prior permission has been granted by the band office. 

A blog post written for the Alberta Camping Association.

Kids (Dis)Connecting with Nature

Kids who spend time in nature have improved creativity, problem solving skills and are physically healthier too! Everyone knows that spending time in the fresh air is good for your, yet research by the David Suzuki Foundation shows that 70% of Canadian kids spend an hour or less outside each day. Why is that?

Last week, David Suzuki was interviewed on Q with Jian Ghomeshi on CBC Radio One. He explained that it’s a combination of overprotective parents and new technologies that are keeping kids indoors and in many cases replacing ‘green time with screen time’. He also spoke about the 30×30 Nature Challenge, running throughout May. This challenge will hopefully inspire parents and their kids to spend at least 30 minutes in nature every day for 30 days.

In this interview Suzuki used the term ‘helicopter parents’, a term we’ve heard many times, to describe the type of overprotective parenting that prevents children from exploring the great outdoors, raising a generation that’s disconnected from nature.

“There are lots of stats out there but the ones I have say that kids spend an average of six minutes a day outside playing and six hours or more a day in front of some kind of electronic gadget,” Suzuki told the CBC. “This is a complete reversal from what we’ve been for 99% of our existence.”

In a world that is exploding with urban development and new technology we have not paid attention to the need for humans, especially children to be out in nature. Nature is everywhere, even in urban centres. It is in our backyards, our lawns, at the park and in the trees on the boulevard. Suzuki expressed the need to be around more greenery and other species. Eating lunch under a tree, having lots of plants in your house, or having animals as pets can help you and your children better connect with the natural world.

Technology and urban development are not the only factors deterring kids from connecting with nature. Over protective parents, even with the best intentions, are hovering so close to their children they are not allowing them to freely discover the natural world on their own, or even at all.

“We haven’t paid attention to the place we live and make it child friendly,” shared Suzuki. He described a childhood where 6 people lived in a small house and it was expected that children played outside for the majority of the time. Rain or shine, kids would be out in the neighborhood playing and discovering nature.

“Kids will play in a puddle for literally hours; making little dams and diverting the water, jumping in it, making mud pies…we don’t allow ourselves that,” said Suzuki. It’s sad to think that instead of losing themselves in a world of imagination and discovery, kids are glued to video games and smart phones.

If kids don’t get the chance to experience nature when they’re young there could be serious consequences. Time spent in nature is essential for healthy psychological and physical development in children. According to an interview on the David Suzuki Foundation’s blog with Dr. Melissa Lem, Family Physician, daily doses of time spent outside can help prevent and treat even medical conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, child weight gain or obesity. It can lower childhood incidences of traditionally adult diseases like diabetes and cholesterol issues. The article also stated that ailments like asthma, depression and slower motor and social skills can be linked to reduced exposure to nature.

It’s obvious that playing outside is usually active play and has many benefits to a child’s physical health, but there are also many mental health benefits.

Dr. Lem stated that “ADHD symptoms improve significantly after children spend time in nature, with increased benefits seen in more green locations. Girls with greener views from their home windows score higher on measures of self-discipline. Also, depression and anxiety disorders are less prevalent in youth who have greater amounts of nature in their living environments.”

What is connecting with nature? Nature is everywhere. In fact, we are nature! The main thing is just to get outside. In the 30×30 Challenge the David Suzuki encourages people to leave their cocoon of human technology. That means to leave your phone and mp3 players at home and open your senses to the sights, sounds and smells that nature has to offer.

For more information on how you can connect with nature as a family visit www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/connecting-youth-with-nature

Sources:  http://www.cbc.ca/q/blog/2013/05/08/david-suzuki-on-why-kids-are-disconnected-from-nature/,  http://www.davidsuzuki.org/blogs/docs-talk/2012/03/replacing-screen-time-with-green-time-is-good-for-kids/

I am very pleased to be working with the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby for the fourth season in a row.  Run by the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society, this summer long salmon fishing derby rewards participating anglers with monthly cash prizes, over $60,000 in cash and prizes at the year-end Fish Off and with the chance to compete for a $250,000 hidden weight grand prize during the Fish Off as well.  All net proceeds of the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby is donated to local salmon enhancement projects on the west coast.  Benefactors include the Thornton Creek Hatchery, Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Central Westcoast Forest Society.

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort is a client of mine, a supporter of the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society, and a sponsor of the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby.  This is a blog post I wrote about the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby for the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort blog.

4th Annual Salmon Ladder Derby

“Fish on!!!!” I yelled as I grabbed the fishing rod out of it’s holder at the back of the boat.

The cord on the downrigger had snapped indicating a bite at the end of the line.  By the time I had the rod in my hands it’s nose was diving towards the surface of the water.  After a quick jerk to set the hook I started to quickly reel in the line, staggering my feet to try to keep my balance in the rocking boat.

After what seemed like forever, although it had only been 10 or 15 minutes, I could see the silvery flash and splash of the Chinook salmon that was on the end of my line.  My fishing partner stood behind me on the side of the boat ready to scoop up my catch in the net and bring it aboard.

The salmon weighed just under 20 pounds, which is a decent weight for a Chinook especially in early May.  As the summer months progress this species of salmon get bigger and bigger.  Much to any anglers delight it’s common to haul in a Chinook salmon weighing over 30 pounds during the summer.  In late July and August I have watched ecstatic fishermen and fisherwomen weigh in monster salmon, nearly breaking the scales at 45 to 50 pounds.  Now THAT is a big fish.

Over the last few years fishing has taken on a whole new energy in Ucluelet, BC.  The Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby, now entering it’s 4th season, has brought a new excitement to sport fishing in Ucluelet and has made the already enjoyable thrill of reeling in the catch of the day a must-do during any visit to our little fishing town.

With the chance to win thousands in monthly prizes, up to $60, 000 cash and prizes at a year-end Fish Off, and an opportunity to compete for the $250,000 Hidden Weight Grand Prize during the Fish Off, it’s no wonder anglers are choosing Ucluelet as their fishing destination.

“To participate, you just have to buy a derby ticket and go fishing!” said Lisa Brisco, who has been involved with organizing and running the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby since it’s first season in 2010.  Lisa continued, “Oh, and catch a big fish!”

Derby tickets are on sale online at www.uclueletsalmonladderderby.com and at participating vendors in Ucluelet and Port Alberni.  They are just $10 per day of fishing or $50 for the whole season (May 1- August 30, 2013).  You can participate in the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby when you book your Fishing Package with Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.

The best part is, all net proceeds of this event is donated to local salmon enhancement projects on the west coast.  Over the 3 seasons the derby has already ran it has been able to donate over $12,000 to the Thornton Creek Hatchery as well as make donations to the Pacific Salmon Foundation and Central Westcoast Forest Society.  Your participation in this even helps raise funds and awareness for salmon enhancement!

When you book a Fishing Package with Black Rock Oceanfront Resort you will be fishing with Big Bear Salmon Charters.  This guided fishing company is very reputable for showing their guests high-yielding fishing grounds, providing the best equipment, and ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the entire trip.  Big Bear Salmon Charters prepares your catch, properly processing it and packaging it for safe transport home.  They’ll also help you capture the memories of your fishing adventure by taking and sending you photos of the trip.

Big Bear Salmon Charters are no stranger to the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby.  They are proud sponsors of the derby, supporters of salmon enhancement and their guest was the FIRST PLACE WINNER of the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby’s Fish Off in 2012.

Photo below:  Mike Tait wins 1st place in the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby Fish Off in 2012.  Photo was provided by the Ucluelet Salmon Enhancement Society.

Start planning your fishing adventure with Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.  Book your fishing package, get out on the water and have a REEL good time.  Never been fishing before?  After you reel in your first fish we know you’ll be HOOKED!  Plus, by fishing in Ucluelet and participating in the Ucluelet Salmon Ladder Derby you will be helping to raise funds and awareness for salmon enhancement and that is a very worthy cause.

Tight Lines!

Amy Hancock

A blog article written for the Alberta Camping Association summarizing a session from their annual conference’s Keynote Speaker, Lenore Skenazy of Free Range Kids.

The school bell rings signalling classes to dismiss at Oak Street Elementary School. The children scurry out into the hallway to put on their coats and shoes and prepare for parent pick up. A few of the lucky ones walk out the front doors and catch the yellow school bus home. The majority are ushered into the gymnasium where they will wait for their parents in safety.

The parents arrive in a long line of minivans and SUVs. They stay parked outside of the school, awaiting pick up procedures to be carried out. An anxious looking teacher from Oak Street Elementary dashes over to the first vehicle in line. It’s Steven Jackson’s mother.

“Steven Jackson from 4A,” the teacher relays over a two way radio. She looks up and down the sidewalk. “We’re ready for him.”

Meanwhile in the gym the teacher on the other end of the walkie talkie is preparing Steven Jackson for departure. He directs him to the front doors, escorts him outside and to his mother’s parked vehicle. The teacher opens the door, waits for Steven Jackson to sit in the car before shutting the door behind him. Then with a sigh of relief rushes back into the school to prepare the next student for pick up.

You might think this scenario was taken from a fiction about post-apocalyptic times. There might be gangs of kid snatchers lurking, armed snipers in the trees, ferocious lions and tigers behind playground equipment and/or violent aliens hovering the skies waiting to harm or abduct the children.

Oak Street Elementary is not located in a dangerous neighbourhood. In fact, the community around Oak Street has a low crime rate and is home to hundreds of medium to high income families. It is a safe neighbourhood. This scenario is an example of what is actually happening in the United States. If Steven Jackson is safe then why did he need secret service style security to get into his mother’s car? Why couldn’t Steven Jackson just walk home from school, or even to his mom’s car alone?

Why Parents are Afraid to have Free Range Kids

North American society has come to the point where parents don’t trust the world at all. Because of a number of factors, parents have been trained to always think of the worst case scenario and truly believe that it will happen to their child if they let their guard down for a second.

Lenore Skenazy, author of Free Range Kids and host of Slice TV’s Bubble Wrapped Kids, was the keynote speaker at the Alberta Camping Association’s Annual Conference.

“What interests me is how we got to the point in society where it is normal for parents to be on top of their kids 24/7,” Skenazy was quoted in the Toronto Sun. “This is the first time in human history that has been considered admirable.”

In her workshop and keynote address “Raising Kids to be Leaders in an Uber-Safe Society” we learned about the factors in our culture that are causing fear and creating helicopter parents.

THE MEDIA

Thanks to the internet we receive news updates by the minute. Local, national, and international news broadcasts literally air on radio and television 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We know about every bad thing that has ever happened or will ever happen in the whole wide world, every minute of every day.

“Sometimes the news will run out of stories so they will re-tell an older story, reviving the fear of a crime that was committed a long time ago,” said Skenazy. “The media is telling parents they should be afraid.”

LOOKING THROUGH THE LENS OF RISK

Products, programs, parks and playgrounds are always studied for the chance of risk. Playgrounds are stripped of teeter totters and merry-go-rounds (which we all have fond childhood memories of) because they could create risk for our fragile children.

Tables, taps and doors are covered in killer germs. Grass is too soft, cement is too hard, and floors are too slippery. Our children are at risk everywhere they go at all times…right?

EVERYONE IS AN EXPERT (EXCEPT FOR YOU)

Even the simplest projects are declared complicated and the media has told us that we can’t do anything right. Lenore Skenazy had us read an article in a recent parenting magazine that literally gave readers step-by-step instructions for properly hugging their child. The article had quotes from two child psychiatrists, because obviously today’s parent needs that kind of professional help for even the simplest tasks.

BABY SAFETY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

We are hearing messages that tell us our children are in constant danger … unless we buy the miracle product that will protect them from harm and potentially save their lives! There are baby knee pads so your little crawlers won’t hurt their knees on the hard floor. There are bath water temperature readers in case you forgot to actually feel the water with your hand before putting your baby into a scalding bath. There are baby harnesses with a marionette string so you can hold your baby up with a rope to help them learn to walk.

Raising Safe, Self Reliant Kids (Without Going Nuts with Worry)

Is it possible that our children are capable of learning how to make their own good decisions, use good judgement in the face of difficulties and become independent community minded healthy adults?

In North America children are placed into organized programs instead of being allowed to explore through unsupervised play.

The streets we played road hockey on are bare and the parks we played frozen tag in are empty. In organized sports even the team that comes in dead last gets a trophy. Heaven forbid MY child should feel bad about not being the best soccer player in the league.

“By doing all of these things to be perfect and to protect our children we are actually telling them that we don’t believe in them,” said Skenazy. “We’ve taken failure out of their lives and under estimated their ability to pick themselves up and try again.”

By keeping your child indoors, not allowing them to explore beyond your reach, and rewarding them when they lose we are telling them that we don’t actually believe in them and we don’t think they can handle it.

“We are sucking the good out of childhood,” said Skenazy.

Skenazy used the examples of gazelles in the wilderness to illustrate the value of unsupervised play. Young gazelles have been known to actually play with each other. They have been observed playing a sort of ‘tag’ game in the wild. These young gazelles are learning coordination, they’re getting exercise, they’re developing social skills within the herd and they are learning how to be alert to predators all without the hovering aid of mother gazelle.

Predators can see them playing. Perhaps they would be more safe if they stayed next to mother gazelle or if they lived out their adolescence hiding behind a clump of trees. It’s apparent that nature has deemed play more important than that. These gazelles have showed us that the skills and development that occurs during play outweighs the risk of leaving mother’s side.

The Importance of Summer Camp

Camp solves these problems. Children are able to escape the clutches of their over protective parents and explore a world of adventure all on their own! They are given the chance to make new friends, engage in new activities, play their hardest and even learn lessons from failure.

At camp kids discover they are capable of learning and trying new things, that it is okay to fail because they can always try again, and that germy hands and scraped knees are all a part of a happy childhood. Camp encourages independence in children, teaches them to take initiative and motivates them to become better at the things they love doing. Camp does all of this in a safe and nurturing environment.

“As parents it is our obligation to give them childhood.” Skenazy concluded her address, “Send them to camp.”

About Lenore Skenazy

Lenore Skenazy is a New York City columnist who let her 9 year old son ride the subway alone, and wrote about it. Well, the media jumped all over it! Her feisty belief that our kids are safer and smarter than our culture gives them credit for has landed her on talk shows from Dr. Phil to The View, The Today Show, NPR, Good Morning America, Nightline, ABC World News Tonight, CBS Early Show, CNN, FoxNews, Anderson Cooper, the BBC, CTV and CBC.  She wrote a book called Free Range Kids and is the host of a reality TV show “Bubble Wrapped Kids”.

Lenore helps free parents from their over-protective paranoia by showing them our kids are smarter than society gives them credit for. She inspires parents to think about how they can encourage their children to make their own good decisions, use good judgement in the face of difficulties and become community minded, healthy adults.

iSafety LTD is a company based out of Edmonton, Alberta that provides reliable safety services to help organizations develop and maintain above average health and safety programs that are compliant with regulations and standards required of them according to their industry and operations.

I created web content for parts of their new website: www.isafety.ca, wrote marketing copy for their services brochure,  and helped them start up a social media marketing strategy on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  Please have a look at some of the web copy I wrote for iSafety LTD.

About Us

Mission Statement: iSafety Ltd. provides reliable safety services to help organizations develop and maintain above average health and safety programs that are compliant with regulations and standards required of them according to their industry and operations.

With over 45 years of collective experience in the safety industry and trades as certified journeymen, iSafety specialists deliver quality safety training, safety consulting and complete safety audits to the full spectrum of commercial, industrial, oil and gas, mining, government, manufacturing,  and healthcare sectors in Western Canada.

Our certified safety consultants will work with your team so that you achieve the safety certification required by the health and safety legislation of your industry.  Through a Gap Analysis we will help you improve your health and safety program, preparing you for specialized safety audits including the Certification of Recognition (COR) audit.

(About Us continued…)

Audits

Safety Analysis

iSafety will conduct a gap analysis to assess your current safety program. We will work with you through the process to make sure your safety systems exceed standards in preparation for specific safety audits .

As health and safety legislation continues to develop, more organizations must meet the requirements of specific audit protocols including the Certificate of Recognition (COR). The use of safety audits is an integral tool for any business to identify safety, health and environmental issues within an organization; and to measure the effectiveness of your current health and safety program.

(Audits continued…)

On-Site Safety Services

iSafety offers on-site safety services on a contracted basis.  We provide safety personnel for plant turn-arounds, ongoing maintenance of health and safety programs, and employee holidays.

iSafety can provide you with professional on-site safety personnel to monitor, audit, and maintain top quality health and safety programs. Our safety personnel have met our high standards for certification and training, experience and come with the resources to help you achieve your safety goals.

(On-Site Safety Services continued…)

Program Development

Safety Program Development

A strong health and safety program will help reduce injuries. A safe workplace enhances the reputation of the organization, eliminates the negative financial effects of injuries, and strengthens your business.

Occupational Health and Safety Systems

The safety professionals at iSafety Services will help you develop your Occupational Health and Safety System . Our highly experience safety consultants will work together with your organization to determine your specific needs.

(Program Development continued...)

Here is a blog I wrote for Black Rock Oceanfront Resort’s blog, covering the musical performance of Stephen Fearing and Viper Central at their event Barnacle Blues.

Barnacle Blues with Stephen Fearing

The audience was captivated as Stephen Fearing performed at Barnacle Blues, an annual fundraiser event hosted by Black Rock Oceanfront Resort for the Pacific Rim Whale Festival.  All eyes were locked on  Fearing; and all ears eagerly anticipating the next lyric and bit of melody.  From folk, roots, blues to country western Stephen Fearing puts stories to song in a way that truly captures the essence of Canadian music and songwriting.

His 18 year long career with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, along with a seven year solo career has enabled Fearing with clear musical talent and the ability to work the crowd.  Between every song he shared a story or humourous antidote, receiving chuckles and applause from an obviously entertained crowd.

“Has anyone seen how amazing the bathrooms are at Black Rock?”  He asked.  “You can park a car in there.  I am living the dream!”  The audience responded with laughter and applause.

Fearing won multiple Juno Awards in 2006 for his first solo album Yellowjacket.  He took a seven year break before releasing his latest album Between Hurricanes earlier this year.  Throughout his two sets at Barnacle Blues he played songs from his solo albums along with old time favourites from Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and his other project Fearing & White.  His lyrics are strung together like poetry, fastened by quick acoustic picking that showcases his obvious musical talent.

Opening for Stephen Fearing was Viper Central, an original bluegrass/roots band from Vancouver.  Viper Central is easily loveable with creative bluegrass style melodies that are both traditionally classic and authentically adventurous.  Viper Central played at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort in November and we were pleased to welcome them back again.

It was easy to tap your toes as they played their original songs ranging from lively gospel to soulful (and sometimes sorrowful) folk/blues and barn-dancing bluegrass.  Stand up bass, acoustic guitar, fiddle, steel guitar and the occasional banjo combine to create a sound these local crowds keep coming back for.

Barnacle Blues is a fundraiser for the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, an annual spring festival in Ucluelet and Tofino that celebrates spring on the west coast of Vancouver Island.  There was a silent auction as well.   Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction go towards the festival every year.

For more photos visit Black Rock Oceanfront Resorts FACEBOOK page.

Blog post I wrote for the Alberta Camping Association

About a month ago Longacre Leadership, a summer youth leadership program for teens in the United States, posted a blog article on their new “Anything Goes” technology policy.  They shattered the era of “no devices at Camp, ever” and caused quite a stir in the online (and offline) camping community.  Should Smartphones, music players, tablets, e-readers, and lap tops  be fair game for campers during summer camp?

• Younger campers might take comfort in being able to connect with their families more easily.  It could reduce homesickness and boost confidence.
• Many youth use their devices as a camera.
• We have the opportunity to teach these kids how to balance their device use.

• No talking on cell phones, texting, or data during activity periods.
• No devices after lights out including reading on tablets or e-readers.
• Cameras and music are allowed only at the discretion of the staff person in charge.

• The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr
•  Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry Turkle

Last year, James Cadden and I wrote and produced a 30 second commercial for K&J Custom Granite.  I just saw it air on City TV.  I’m glad to know they still love the commercial.  I think they are proud of their TV star kids too!

Writer/Director:  Amy Hancock

Camera Operator/Producer:  James Cadden

This is an article I wrote for Coffee News Northern Alberta‘s monthly newsletter.

Investing in Computer Training

“People don’t know what they don’t know,” said Joanne Swensrude of Know It Sooner Computer Training.

This is true for most people who use computers in their daily business. You might use the same software every day to do your job. You might think you’re sufficient in software like Microsoft Excel and Word; but you could save time and money by doing it better and more efficiently.

Most small business owners are juggling so many tasks they might seem it impossible to find time to receive computer training for themselves or their employees. They are ‘getting by’ on what they think is the best way to work with the software.

“People are too busy to go on training, but they could be doing their computer work in an inefficient way and that costs them extra time.” Swensrude continued, “After I show them some better ways of doing things they see the value and I know it will save them a lot of time and money in the long run.”

Consider looking at computer training as an investment of money and time, and according to Swensrude, you will see the pay back. When it comes to business, investments should be made to increase effectiveness and productivity.

“I always get comments like ‘that’s going to save me a lot of time at month end!’ or ‘I can’t wait to use this on my next project‘,” said Swensrude.

These days we have access to information at the touch of our fingertips. We can learn a few simple functions through a YouTube or Google search, but search engines are not able to tell us the best way to do something. A professional computer trainer can.

“I understand that it is a hassle for businesses to send their employees out for a day or training. That is why I have a portable computer lab,” said Swensrude. “I can save you more time by coming right to your office.”

With Microsoft Office 2013 coming out in the New Year, you can resolve to update your computer skills. Joanne Swensrude is becoming familiar with this new software, and is ready to begin training when it is released in 2013.

Do you know what you don’t know? Contact Know It Sooner Computer Training and find out. Visit www.knowitsooner.com.

*Now offering 3 hours of training for the price of 2, offer ends March 31, 2013*

This is a blog article I wrote for Action Furnace Edmonton.

Duct Performance for Efficiency, Safety, and Comfort

January 2nd, 2013 by Amy Hancock

Improving Duct Performance

Duct performance is very important to homeowners in Edmonton.  A duct system that is properly sealed and designed correctly can save energy and make sure your home is safe.  So, what do you know about your ducts?

In Edmonton, your furnace and heating system works hard to keep your home warm in our cold winters.  Ducts are used to distribute the warm air from your furnace into the rest of your house.  According to Energy Star, about 20% of the air that moves through your duct system is lost because of leaks or poor connections within the duct system.

Duct Performance – Performing Badly

Here are some signs that you might be suffering from poor duct performance:

• Your utility bills are higher than usual
• Some rooms in your house seem stuffy or dusty
• Some rooms in your house never seem warm enough
• You can actually see there are tangled or kinked flexible ducts in your system

What problems cause poor duct performance?

• Leaks at the furnace and filter slot
• Kinks in flexible duct work that are restricting air flow
• Physical holes in the ducts, or worse, ducts that are literally coming apart at the seams!
• Registers and grills that are not sealed properly

Duct Performance at its Best

If your duct system is working well and is properly sealed, cleaned, and maintained regularly you will start to reap the benefits of good duct performance.

Most importantly, your house will be operating at its safest.  Gas appliances like your hot water heater, dryer and furnace, release combustion gases through their venting systems.  Harmful gases like carbon monoxide can easily seep into your living spaces rather than being blown outside if you have leaky ducts.  Keeping your ducts sealed and maintained will reduce this risk.

Good duct performance can help you save money on your energy bills.  A leak-free duct system will increase the efficiency of your furnace and it won’t be long before you start to see the savings.

Plus, you will also be enhancing your indoor air quality.  Fumes from your insulation, household chemicals and dust can get into your duct system.  Sealing ducts will reduce the risk of these pollutants from entering your duct systems and your home.

Overall you will be lessening your impact on the environment.  There are many benefits to ensuring good duct performance in your home.

Duct Performance Experts

The professionals at Action Furnace in Edmonton are experts on your duct system.  They can get to those hard to reach ducts in your attic or crawl space and ensure your duct system is working properly.  Seal leaks, repair damaged and disconnected ducts, make sure the ducts that need insulation get it, and ensure your registers are sealed properly too.

Evaluate your duct performance.  Could you be lowering energy bills, ensuring the safety of your home, and enhancing the air quality in your house?

Start by taking advantage of Action Furnace’s Duct Cleaning Special.

Source: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_index